Prosperity has been a controversial subject when it involves Christians. It shouldn’t be though, because God spoke about it in Psalm 1 and throughout the Bible.
When the Lord talks about prosperity, He doesn’t always point to our financial means. He will, however, meet our physical needs,
He is more concerned about our spiritual prosperity. That is indicated by the way the Psalmist ended Psalm 1.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:6
The first 5 verses define for us how differently God will treat the godly compared to the wicked.
If you are a Christian I’m sure you want a life full of joy. To get it, verse 1 advises us of the people we shouldn’t be hanging out with.
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. Psalm 1:1
God Given Advice in Psalm 1
Keep in mind advice is just that, advice. We are free to pal around with anyone we choose. But, keep in mind that our choices will result in either rewards or consequences.
The next couple of verses of this Psalm lays out for us the rewards of making a godly decision. Verse 2 says the godly will enjoy the Word of God.
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:2
The Holy Spirit gives us a new understanding when we read and meditate on God’s Word. Then the Spirit of God helps us to live within the bounds of His Word every day.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:3
Verse 3 indicates how well-rooted our lives will be in the Lord. But it also says that we will prosper in everything we do. The Hebrew word for prosper in this verse means to push forward. It carries the idea of thriving and succeeding in what you do.
When a Christian Becomes Prosperous
Compare a tree planted beside a running stream with one planted in a dry parched desert.
The one by the stream flourishes and produces fruit. Just like our delight in God’s Word can be nourishing and prosperous for us.
The person though who receives advice from the wicked and hangs out with sinners is like a parched tree.
Spiritually that person is lifeless and almost dried up. The next couple of verses describe the wicked and their destination.
But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. Psalm 1:4-5
The question you must answer for yourself is this. Do you want to enjoy the delight of God’s Word and His prosperity? Even if it’s not financially oriented as you walk the path of the godly.
Or do you want to fit in and be accepted by the world? Following the counsel of the wicked, sinners, and mockers. Knowing full well that you are walking on a path that leads to destruction.
The decision is yours to make. It seems to me that Psalm 1 makes that decision a simple one to make.
Just remember though that words are good but everything falls on your actions. It comes down to what you do that demonstrates your final choice.
Verse 3 of Psalm 1 says “you will prosper in all you do.” It doesn’t say you will prosper “in all you say you are going to do.”
Lord, we want to walk in the path of the godly. We want to delight in your Word and prosper. Help us to make the right decisions with our actions being the evidence.
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